Tour of California: Sir Bradley Wiggins set to lead Team Sky and target victory

Sir Bradley Wiggins heads to America to lead Team Sky's challenge at the Tour of California.

Last Updated: 29/04/14 7:06pm

Sir Bradley Wiggins: Looking to test himself in the Golden State

The eight-day American stage race has grown in stature each year and sees the British squad return for the first time since 2011.

A major target for Wiggins as he looks to ride his way into the Tour de France squad, the Brit heads to the States with some momentum following solid rides at both Paris-Roubaix and the Giro del Trentino.

Three American riders will also join Wiggins (May 11-18) with Ian Boswell, Joe Dombrowski and Danny Pate competing in addition to Nathan Earle, Josh Edmondson, Christian Knees and Luke Rowe.

On heading back to California for the first time since 2008, Wiggins said: "I'm really looking forward to riding the Tour of California. It's an important event for the team and we want to put in a good performance in front of the American fans and our co-owners 21st Century Fox.

"Riding in California is definitely something different and a nice alternative to the traditional racing programme in Europe. There are a lot of passionate cycling fans in the States and this is one of the only chances we get to ride in front of them, on their roads. We're all looking forward to it."